The pomegranate market is currently under pressure. "This week's a low point. The South African and Peruvian harvesting seasons are over. And there's a lot of trade available on the market", says Mike Looije of Yex in the Netherlands. But he also puts the price pressure into perspective. "Prices on the pomegranate market rose sharply in recent years. A few years ago, you could buy Peruvian pomegranates for €3. Now the average price is triple that."
"But costs have also skyrocketed. The corona crisis means growers had to take the needed measures. Fewer people work at the packing stations. At the same time, pomegranates are becoming more popular." It's not only South Africa and Peru on the market. Chile is also present at the moment. "In Spain, Turkey, Egypt, and Israel, growers expect to start in the first week of August. So, the seasons should transition smoothly," says Mike.
Yex supplies pomegranates to retailers and wholesalers throughout Europe. The processing industry is becoming another important market. "Last season, there were hardly any class II pomegranates on the market. And if they're already yielding good money, growers understandably want to earn more for Class I products."
Yex is focusing more and more on processing too. That's in cooperation with a company that processes pomegranate pips. "That's a very interesting sector. The cooling chain is vital. The pips must be kept at 4°C. The pomegranates themselves are firm, but their seeds are very fragile. But people love snacking on them. I think there will be a further rise in demand. Especially when it gets sunnier and the eateries' opening hours are extended," Mike concludes.
For more information:
Mike Looije
Yex
Tel: +31 (0) 174 214 541
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.yex.nl
